Summary

The author shares their journey of overcoming the inner critic to write prolifically, completing ten articles on various topics, and finding success in publication.

Abstract

The author begins by recounting their initial focus on personal stories, particularly after a significant personal loss. However, when attempting to write about more exciting topics like technology, photography, and psychology, they face an inner saboteur demanding perfection. To break free from this cycle, the author sets a challenge to write ten stories with the sole rule of writing without the pressure of publishing. This challenge leads to the completion of articles on diverse subjects, from a Google Chrome feature to lofi music, and reflections on productivity. Surprisingly, these stories are well-received and curated, reinforcing the author's belief in their approach. The author concludes by encouraging others to embrace the process of writing and learning, emphasizing that great writing begins with humble beginnings and heartfelt words.

Opinions

The author believes that the pursuit of perfection can hinder creativity and productivity.
They suggest that setting a simple goal to write without the pressure of perfection can lead to unexpected success.
The author values the act of writing as a means of learning and improving one's craft.
They advocate for the importance of silencing the inner critic to foster productivity and creativity.
The author is of the opinion that great storytelling doesn't require immediate greatness but rather consistent practice in reading and writing.
They encourage other writers to share their work, regardless of its perceived quality, as a step towards becoming better storytellers.

You Don’t Have to Be Great but to Be Great, You Have to Do It Now

How I beat my inner saboteur and started to write like crazy.

When I started writing, what comes naturally were stories from the past. I would share some of the things about my past loves, and when Mom passed away this year, she is all I wanted to write.

The need to be great wasn’t even a question I ask myself. I just do it. I write it down, and tears come with every story most of the time. But in the end, it gets done.

When I try to write about topics that excite me either because it is about technology, photography, and psychology, my inner saboteur speaks his mind. The voice becomes louder and louder until I succumb to what he wants. He wants me to write a great story. It has to be perfect.

Perfection stifles creativity and productivity. — Xin Xin

The research must be complete. I have to read stories about the topic, and I have to make a strong opinion in the end. It also has to be polished.

I challenged myself to write 10 stories. There is only one rule.

Write.

If I tell myself that they have to be published, I know I won’t finish them.

I started with one story about my recent discovery about this nifty feature on Google Chrome. That discovery made me forego my decision to buy another monitor.

For days, that was all I did, look for the right second monitor because I thought it is what I needed to have a better remote work setup. And that it will improve my productivity as a writer.

I was so excited about how my Google Chrome feature discovery made me stay with my single monitor setup, and I finished the article in an hour.

Why You Should Not Buy A Second Monitor in 2021

You already own a second screen, your phone!

medium.com

It surprised me to finish that quickly. It was like the writing muse conspired to complete the task I set myself to do that day, to finish writing 10 articles.

The following article was about lofi music. I recently discovered it as I was looking for music that doesn’t distract me from writing. It was my inner critic telling me to find music that will make me more productive.

It took me longer, while I can tell my story why I like it especially Japanese Lo-Fi. A long time ago I discovered that I have to listen to some foreign music. After all, if I hear the familiar songs as I write, it brings too much memory from the past. My mind is off wandering, and I stop writing.

What Does Lofi Mean?

Lo-Fi Music: My Secret to Focusing During Writing Sessions

medium.com

Then I went to write and write some more, and I ended it with a story about productivity. How I silenced my inner critic after I was done with my 10 levels, that a voice suddenly popped out and said,

Do you think that you have been productive today?

I answered my inner critic in the affirmative and silenced its voice.

How to be Productive Without Feeling the Guilt About Productivity

Productivity advice need not be complex. Ask yourself do you have to do more than what is required from you?

nafbeltran.medium.com

These stories were published, and I was sure surprised that all three were given the thumbs up! All three were “curated.”

It wasn’t expected, but it felt like a pat on the back like the Universe is telling me,

Job well done!

Impossible to I’m Possible

Suppose you have self-doubt about what you are doing in your life right now. I am proof that we don’t have to be great right away. If we want to become a writer, there are two things we need to do, read and write.

“If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot.”

That advice didn’t come from me, it comes from Stephen King, and he knows more than I do about writing.

Dont be the invisible editor from hell.

While I am not saying to be a mediocre writer, all I want to emphasize is as you write, you learn, and when you learn, you become better.

As proof, these articles are far from perfect, but I chose to have them published. Because the more I write, the more I become a better writer. I didn’t allow my inner saboteur or inner critic to be the editor-from-hell.

And that my end goal: To become both a productive writer and a great storyteller. My journey is just beginning.

In the end, great stories have to start somewhere, even the stories with the best endings, needed to start with one word, and it is usually the word that comes from your heart. I believe I have it in me, and I believe that you have it in you.

I will be happy to read your “not-so-great story” or perfect story. Leave your links in the comment section.

From a not-so-great writer ... yet!